This article is written by Bharat Upadhyay, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog. This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.

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Series – ‘Genius of Jaidev’
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Mujhe Jeene Do (1963) was the second success in a row for actor Sunil Dutt’s production banner, Ajanta Arts. It was directed by Moni Bhattacharjee. This dacoit-drama stars Sunil Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Nirupa Roy, Rajindranath, Mumtaz, Madhumati, Cuckoo etc.

The film shot in Chambal Velley ravines, under police protection in MP state, and Mohan Studios (Mumbai), highlights the acting talents of its star cast, Waheeda Rehman and Sunil Dutt, and indeed the music by musical genius Jaidev. It went on to become the eighth highest grossing Bollywood film of the year, and won 1964 Filmfare Best Actor Award for Sunil Dutt. It was also the official selection of Indian entry for the 1964 Cannes Film Festival.
Indeed, Jaidev’s versatility is on full display here. Whether it was semi-classical or folk songs, he was equally adept at composing tunes with his fingers on the pulse of the scene. How well he captured the regional flavor in this tune! Of course, as a singer, ‘Ashaji is Ashaji’, one of the most versatile singers of the Hindi film-world, as she always delivers the goods with superb skill.

A dazzling tune of Jaidev with the music ensemble of the tabla, harmonium, sarangi, ghungroos, chimta etc, which is quite different from the usual Bollywood sound of those days. This song also has an interesting tale attached to it. The production schedule was held-up for quite some time for want of a couple of folk songs recordings. Jaidev was ready but due to some ego clash, Sahir had not provided the lyrics for them. Jaddan Bai, mother-in-law of producer Sunil Dutt suggested to use some of the lyrics of old folk songs sung by Gulab Bai. Jaidev readily agreed and this song, as well as ‘Nadi Naare Na Jaao Shyam’, with their original lyrics, were recorded on the same day, with electrifying ‘Jaidev’ style music and Asha’s voice.

I have included a small part of Gulab Bai’s singing the original lyrics as a prelude to the full film song in versatile Asha’s voice. I expect music lovers to comment on this song.

I, with my limited writing skill, will borrow some critics words about the art of street folk dance as follows:

“It’s not only making a living from dancing on streets… In a culture that worships love, freedom and beauty, dance is sacred…it’s an art. You dance to poetry, to music, to rhythm of your soul….not only with your feet but with your heart…for love, joy, and peace…for yourself, and for others. Doesn’t this song convey all this with exquisite beauty? Don’t you feel as if Asha’s rich voice in this ebullient street performance is itself made of ghunghrus? From patrician to plebeian music, and anything in between, Asha-ji is just nothing but superb.”